Theme 4: Quantitative research

• Seminar (Mon): Quantitative research papers, Stefan Hrastinski.
• Lecture/seminar (Wed): Quantitative methods and questionnaires, Olle Bälter.

Select a media technology research paper that you argue is using quantitative methods in a good way. The paper should be of high qualityl, with an “impact factor” of 1.0 or above. The following are examples of questions to discuss in your blog posting:

1. Which quantitative method or methods are used in the paper? Which are the benefits and limitations of using these methods?
2. What did you learn about quantitative methods from reading the paper?
3. Which are the main methodological problems of the study? How could the use of the quantitative method or methods have been improved?

Read the following paper written by Olle Bälter and colleagues. Reflect on the key points and what you learnt by reading the text. Also, briefly discuss the questions below.

• Fondell, E., Lagerros, Y. T., Sundberg, C. J., Lekander, M., Bälter, O., Rothman, K., & Bälter, K. (2010). Physical activity, stress, and self-reported upper respiratory tract infection. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 43(2), 272-279.

1. Which are the benefits and limitations of using quantitative methods?
2. Which are the benefits and limitations of using qualitative methods?

Publish your reflections before and after the theme is completed in you individual learning portfolio (blog). See the course guide for further instructions.